National policies for screening and early detection of breast cancer around the globe: Practices, barriers, and solutions

Abstract

Breast cancer represents a significant burden of disease for women across the globe. Screening has been demonstrated to decrease breast cancer-related mortality. However, many nations do not have population breast cancer screening programs, which are key to early detection and can decrease mortality rates. In 2024, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) established the Committee on Breast Health to raise awareness about breast disease, advocate for improved prevention and treatment, and promote best practices. This manuscript aims to review national policies in screening and early detection across 7 of the countries represented in the FIGO Committee on Breast Health: Chile, Germany, India, Mexico, the Philippines, Senegal, and the United States. Policies for population screening for breast cancer are reviewed and compared across countries, as well as efforts in risk stratification. A framework for addressing population screening for breast cancer is also proposed that acknowledges resource and infrastructure limitations across nations. These efforts represent a critical step in addressing breast cancer-related mortality worldwide.

Keywords: early detection; health policy; mammography; screening breast cancer.